Guardians of Rescue Hosts Ghostly Tails Fundraiser

A Smithtown-based charity is inviting residents to sit down with local psychics and mediums for a ghostly dinner this Wednesday. 

The Guardians of Rescue, a a nationwide animal rescue organization providing service and companion dogs for military veterans, is hosting a Ghostly Tails fundraiser dinner at Ragazzi in Nesconset on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. 

The event aims to raise money for the Guardian of Rescue's Paws of War Program, according to spokeswoman Joanne Tamburro, for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by providing them with fully-trained and certified therapy dogs. 

"We do have veteran that is looking for a dog in D.C. area, we have a good prospect, fostering through our home but still needs training," Tamburro said. 

The Guardians of Rescue aim to rescue dogs, when possible from local area shelters that show social and bonding qualities to given to local veterans, or bring home dogs from Iraq and Afghanistan requested by a recently returned soldier when possible. 

Tamburro said while each dog is fostered  it undergoes an extensive service-training program to learn commands and how to react in various public situations. The organization pays hundred for the housing, health care and training of each animal.  

"The training is sometimes for free or they'll give us a lower charge, but we often have to pay something. We are short on trainers. The dogs have to be completely vetted, neutered/spayed, food and whatever it costs to transport him across the country," Tamburro said. 

The fundraiser will feature a three-course, sit-down dinner with local psychics, mediums and magicians including Joe Maxwell, a "magician to the stars;" spiritual reader and life coach Glorida, and psychic readers Annu and Helen Marie. 

Tickets cost $49.95 and guarantee a personal reading. Reservations are required and can be made online at the restaurant's website, here.